How to Avoid Ransomware: 8 Effective Strategies

Computer screen showing Ransomeware warning message.


Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common. These attacks pose a serious threat to individuals and businesses alike.

In 2022 alone, there were 493.33 million ransomware attacks detected globally.

That’s why a ransome defense strategy is critical for protecting your valuable information. In this article, we’ll show you how to avoid ransomware so you don’t become a victim.

Let’s get started

1. Keep Software Updated

Hackers can find ways into vulnerable programs. That’s why software providers frequently release updates and patches. Once news gets out that an application has a weak point, cybercriminals are quick to exploit it. By updating your operating system, antivirus software, and third-party applications, you’ll minimize vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

What are practical ways to check for updates?

2. Implement Strong Password Practices

If you’re like most people, you’re likely using the same, simple password for everything. Instead, try to use complex and unique passwords for all your online accounts. One way to easily keep track of passwords is to employ a password manager. With a password manager, you can safely store passwords and access them securely when you need to. 

When you get the opportunity, opt for multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. This means that the first time you log in from a new device, you’ll need to verify  using your email or phone number that it’s
really you.

3. Exercise Caution with Email Attachments and Links

Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those with attachments or links. Hackers will often use urgency as a way to convince you to open a file. You can verify the sender’s identity by closely examining their email domain. Before opening any attachments or clicking on links, try hovering over links to check their path before proceeding. When in doubt, play it safe.

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading threatware. They are masters of manipulation, and use social engineering to convince you to take action. This could be pretending to be someone you know, requesting urgent action, or threatening to reveal private information.

Usually, you can spot something “off” about the email – such as frequent grammatical errors or misspellings. Make sure to closely examine any links before clicking. If something seems suspicious, you can report emails to your email service provider.

5. Backup Your Data Regularly

Sometimes the best way to prevent ransomware is to prepare for the worst. If you could never get back into your device, do you have a way to access the data? Regularly back up your data to an external device or a secure cloud storage service. Ensure your backups are up-to-date and easily accessible in case of a ransomware attack. Consider automating the backup process.

6. Educate Yourself and Your Team about
Ransomware Defense

Stay informed about the latest ransomware trends and techniques. Educate yourself and your employees about best practices for cybersecurity, including identifying phishing attempts and recognizing suspicious activities.

If you’re a business, conduct regular training sessions to raise awareness among employees about the risks of ransomware and the steps they can take to mitigate them.

7. Use A Reliable Security Tool and
Ransomware Solution

Invest in reputable antivirus and antimalware software to provide real-time protection against ransomware. Choose a solution that offers robust features such as behavior-based detection and ransomware-specific defenses.

SUPERAntiSpyware™ can identify millions of malware, spyware, and ransomware programs, including unique and hard-to-find ones. 

Identifies and eliminates a wide range of harmful threats such as malware, spyware, adware, trojans, worms, ransomware, hijackers, parasites, rootkits, keyloggers, and similar types of malicious software.

  • Thoroughly examines your system by detecting forged and malicious files
  • Provides information about installed applications and browser plugins, allowing you to monitor system alterations over time.
  • Eliminates unwanted browser cookies and prevents pop-up advertisements by utilizing integrated SUPERAdBlocker Technology.
  • Prevents ransomware attacks by safeguarding your files and thwarting hackers from encrypting them and demanding a ransom.

Learn about all of our products and find out why we’ve been downloaded over 65,000,000 times.

8. Practice Least Privilege

One of the best ways to defend against Ransomware is to make sure you’re granting users only the necessary access permissions to perform their duties. This is known as the principle of least privilege. In essence, the less people have access to critical or sensitive information, the less damage ransomware can do. 

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack and protect your valuable data. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to cybersecurity. Stay vigilant, practice good security habits, and regularly update your defenses. 

What is threatware? Definition, causes and how to protect yourself

Hand typing password to protect against threatware.

In an increasingly digitally connected world, the scale of cyber threat has escalated significantly. In this landscape, threatware has emerged as one of the most prevalent methods of attack for cybercriminals across the globe. The definition of threatware is wide ranging, but this article will shed light on the topic, examining its potential threats, famous examples and prevention methods.

What is threatware?

Threatware is a wide-ranging term that refers to various different types of malicious software that has been build to compromise computer systems, networks and devices. It can be used interchangeably with the term “malware” and encapsulates a range of harmful programs including viruses, trojans, spyware and rootkits.

How does threatware work?

A variety of deceptive methods are used to spread threatware across numerous systems and networks. Once installed, it can provide unauthorized access to hackers, allowing them to streal data, disrupt operations and carry out a whole host of other nefarious activities. Here are just a few of the common ways in which threatware can spread:

  • Phishing emails: Cybercriminals often send emails that seem as though they have been sent by a trusted source. However, this is often cleverly masked so that the user is unaware that they are clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.
  • Malicious websites: Threatware can be downloading when the user unwittingly visits a fraudulent website.
  • Bundled software: Threatware can sneak onto a device amongst a host of other applications while the user believes that they are downloading seemingly legitimate software from untrustworthy sources or file sharing websites.
  • Removable devices: Infected external hard drives or disks have the capability to transfer threatware to the device in which they are inserted to.
  • Browser extensions and pop ups: Although less common, users can sometimes install malicious browser extensions via deceptive pop ups.
  • Manual installation: Another method that is less common and potentially more scary, is when cybercriminals posing as technicians or IT support manually install threatware onto a device.

Once threatware makes its way on to your device, it can wreak havoc in many different ways, including:

  • Stealing data: The theft of persona data, such as credit card information, sensitive documents and important passwords are common.
  • Creation of backdoors: Threatware will often establish backdoors which allow for remote access. This means that attackers are able to remotely control your device from anywhere in the world.
  • Activity monitoring: This includes the logging of keystrokes, capturing of screenshots and general tracking of user activity.
  • Replicate and spread: Threatware will almost always attempt to infect other systems through network file shares or sending malicious messages via email or instant messaging services.

How to detect threatware

While threatware can often be challenging to detect, there are a number of common features that provide some indication that your device may be compromised. These include:

  • Unusual pop ups
  • Files being unwittingly deleted
  • Security settings changing on their own
  • Overheating of your computer
  • Programs unexpectedly closing
  • Unauthorized programs being installed
  • Decrease in storage space
  • Slow processing speeds
  • Regular freezing or crashing

What are the different types of threatware?

The landscape of threatware is constantly evolving as a result of the innovative and relentless nature of cybercriminality and a need to stay ahead of the curve. This makes understanding the various types of threatware all the more important. Here are a few of the most common types of threatware that you may encounter:

Ransomware

Ransomware works to encrypt sensitive and important files on the victim’s device before demanding a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, for the decryption key. Victims will typically be threatened with a deletion or release of the files, depending on their nature, unless they pay the ransom. That said, there can be no guarantee that the hacker will stick to their word!

Spyware

Spyware is one of the more deceptive types of threatware. It works by unwittingly running in the background of the victim’s device, collecting sensitive information over time that includes login credentials, browsing history and financial details.

Trojans

Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software in order to deceive users into installing them on their device. Once the user has made this mistake, they can cause all manner of damage to the victim, including data theft, activity monitoring or the download of further threatware. Trojans typically spread through email attachments, malicious websites or deceptive software installations.

Worms

Worms do not require user interaction in order to spread. They autonomously self-replicate by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems, allowing them to continuously spread. They can cause network congestion, steal data and install additional malware.

Rootkits

Rootkits are a longer-term type of threatware. They are built so that they can lie unnoticed within the user’s system, providing constant access to the hacker. This allows them to modify system files and processes that help them to avoid detection. Rootkits can be installed through phishing emails, deceptive links or physical access to the device in question.

Keyloggers

Similar to rootkits, keyloggers are designed to avoid detection and track every keystroke made on the victim’s device. These keystrokes will then be relayed to the hacker, allowing them to decipher your every move. Similarly, they are installed through malicious downloads, email attachments and deceptive websites.

Famous examples of threatware

Threatware can cause enormous damage to both businesses and individuals, ranging from financial loss to reputational harm. Here are just a few well known examples of threatware:

  • WannaCry: In 2017, the threatware known as WannaCry caused devastation to organizations throughout the world, causing operational difficulties to the likes of the UK’s National Health Service, DeEx and Telefonica. Spreading via email attachments and an unpatched vulnerability in Windows XP, it affected around 200,000 individuals and 10,000 organizations spanning 150 countries.
  • Emotet: Emotet is one of the most famous examples of a trojan virus. First detected in 2014, the hackers involved targeted customers of German and Austrian banks with spam emails which contained a deceptive link. Once installed, it stole sensitive data and continued to spread aggressively across other computers sharing the same network.
  • Petya: First detected in 2016, Petya spread via malicious links hidden in email attachments. Petya infects Windows machines by blocking the entire operating system and demanding a payment of approximately $300 to unlock. Since its inception, it is estimated to have caused a total of more than $10 billion in financial losses.

How to protect yourself from threatware

As this article has highlighted, the complex nature of today’s digital world combined with the myriad threats posed by cybercriminals, and threatware in particular, mean that it has never been more important to remain vigilant with your device and data. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe online:

Keep your device up to date

Regularly updating your operating system and applications is imperative. It always has been. Developers are regularly releasing updates that patch any vulnerabilities that have been identified and are open to exploitation from hackers.

Use unique and complex passwords

It feels as though we have hundreds of different online accounts in today’s world. Creating strong, unique passwords for each of these is a must. Combinations of letters, numbers and symbols will make any hacker’s life that bit harder. Always ensure that you avoid passwords easy to guess, such as those including names, addresses and birth dates. A password manager is often a useful tool in maintaining your array of unique, complex passwords.

Download robust antivirus software

Reputable and robust antivirus software is a non-negotiable nowadays. It provide a crucial additional layer of protection to any device. Ensure that the antivirus software that you opt for is regularly updated in order to detect and protect against the latest threats. Why not try SUPERAntiSpyware’s free trial, protecting yourself and your loved ones today.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) across applicable accounts adds an additional step to the login process, making it more difficult for any unauthorized users to gain access.

Regularly back up data

While you never know that the damage threatware may potentially cause, anything can happen to your device that could compromise our data at any time. Consequently, it is important to frequently back up data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Verify the sender

Ensure that you verify the sender’s identity through a secondary channel prior to opening any attachments or clicking any links.

Avoid public Wi-Fi (VPN if you do)

Always try to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as these represent something of a digital wild west. Of course, there will be occasions where you are left without a choice, in which case you should always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection first.

Stay abreast of cybersecurity news

Remaining informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices is something that many will overlook. That said, with digital threat continuously on the rise, it has never been more important to stay up to date with the latest developments and tactics of cybercriminals. SUPERAntiSpyware’s blog provides vital insight into the world of cybersecurity and will leave you feeling much more confident about staying safe online.

Conclusion

As you have now learned from reading this article, the threat of threatware is very real. It can both spread and impact you in myriad ways, causing financial and reputational damage wherever it spreads. It has never been more important to remain vigilant in today’s online world.

Why not take the first step to safety and try SUPERAntiSpyware’s free trial today.

FAQs

What is the difference between threatware and malware? [+]

Malware is a type of threatware, so the terms are often used interchangeably as there is no discernible difference between the two. Malware it simply short for malicious software.

What is the difference between threatware and ransomware? [+]

In a similar sense, ransomware is a type of threatware and there is also little difference between the two. Ransomware locks down your computer and demands payment, often through cryptocurrency, for the decryption of your sensitive data that has been compromised.

What is the difference between threatware and spyware? [+]

Once again, spyware is a type of threatware. Spyware is more deceptive than ransomware, as it lurks in the background of your device, tracking all your digital activity.

How To Protect Your Computer From Chrome Zero Day Vulnerabilities

Picture of Google Chrome browser on a phone that’s protected from Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities.


Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world, used by millions of people for browsing the internet on their computers and mobile devices. It has a wide-spread appeal, including being one of the top browsers for integrating extensions that help save money while shopping online or gathering information at a glance while doing research.

Whether you browse Chrome on your personal computer or someone who relies on it for work, it’s essential to be aware of the security risks and take steps to safeguard your computer. Using Chrome comes with its risks, particularly regarding zero-day vulnerabilities. These risks are drastically reduced by protecting your PC from potential attacks with significant consequences.

What Are Chrome Zero-Day Vulnerabilities?

Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws in the Google Chrome browser that are unknown to the software’s developers. They’re called “zero-day” because developers have zero days to create a solution to fix the vulnerability. Savvy hackers locate Google Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities and exploit them, wreaking havoc on its users before there’s an opportunity to take safeguards against an attack.

These vulnerabilities open your computer to malicious code that allows hackers to attain sensitive information, install malware, or even take over and control your entire computer. The consequences of a successful Chrome zero-day attack can be severe, and users should take every precaution to prevent them
from happening.

What Are Examples of Google Chrome Zero
Day Vulnerabilities

In recent years, several high-profile examples of Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities have reinforced the importance of taking precautions against hackers. In March 2021, Google released a security update to address a zero-day vulnerability that was actively being exploited in Chrome. The vulnerability allowed attackers to execute code on the victim’s computer and steal sensitive information.

In February 2020, a zero-day vulnerability was discovered in Chrome, allowing attackers to bypass security protections and take control of the victim’s computer. The vulnerability was being actively exploited in the wild (meaning that the attacks are happening to users and are not simply theoretical), and Google released an emergency patch to address the issue.

These incidents highlight an ongoing threat, necessitating browser
security vigilance.

Consequences Of Chrome Zero Exploitations

The consequences of malware, hackers taking over your computer, or accessing your personal information can include the following:

  • Identity theft
  • Personal and sensitive information sold on the dark web
  • Financial damages
  • Computer systems being rendered inoperable
  • Compromised infrastructure systems for businesses

How to Protect Yourself from Chrome Zero
Day Vulnerabilities

Applying technical measures and extra caution decreases your chances of falling victim to Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities. We recommend the following steps as precautions to protect your information:

  • Keep Chrome up to date: Google regularly releases security patches for Chrome, so it’s essential to keep your browser updated to the latest version to stay protected from the latest threats.
  • Use a reliable antivirus program: A trusted antivirus program will detect and block malware and other malicious code hiding on your computer.
  • Be cautious with downloads: Only download files or programs from trusted sources. 
  • Use a strong password: Ensure you use strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it harder for hackers to access your information.

Incorporating these steps into your everyday browsing will significantly decrease the risk of falling victim to hacking attacks on Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities.

Calling On The Pros For The Best Protection Against Malware Attacks

Trusted spyware and anti-virus software are essential for protecting your computer from various hacker threats, including Google Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities. At SUPERAntiSpyware™, we have a proven track record with hundreds of satisfied clients of protecting personal and business computer systems from major threats in addition to Chrome zero-day threats  that could compromise sensitive information and financial well-being, including
the following:

  • Malware
  • Spyware
  • Adware
  • Ransomware
  • Hijackers
  • Cryptominers

Whether you want to protect your personal computer or need a robust and capable system for a more extensive technological infrastructure, the pros at SUPERAntiSpyware™ have you covered. We make it easy to get started with premium protection with our free 14-day free Pro-X protection trial. All you have to do is follow the download instructions, and our system does the rest.

Get started now.